UAA CHD Project ECHO

"Moving Knowledge, Not People"

 

These virtual learning communities provide educators, service providers, case managers, administrators, families, and others access to expert advice from professionals throughout the state and country, building capacity in home communities to implement best practices and improve outcomes. 

 

Hub and spoke knowledge-sharing networks create a learning loop:

  • Community participants learn from specialists
  • Community participants learn from each other
  • Specialists learn from community participants as best practices emerge
 

ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses videoconferencing technology to connect a team of interdisciplinary experts with primary care providers, other health services professionals, and community members. The discussions with, and mentoring from, specialists help equip participants to support individuals and their families with health and disabilities related needs in their home communities.

  

What do I need to do to get started?

  1. Register for an ECHO in the "Project ECHOs" tab 
  2. High-speed internet connection
  3. A front-facing camera on smartphone, tablet, or computer (laptop or desktop)
  4. Access to Zoom web conference software (more information below)
  • Using Zoom

    Using Zoom for ECHO Sessions

    You can test your connection to Zoom prior to the scheduled time by visiting http://zoom.us/test

    1.  Once on the Zoom test page, click on the blue Join button to launch Zoom. Screenshot of Zoom "Join" button
    2. If you do not already have Zoom installed on your computer, follow the prompts to download and run Zoom. Click on the download file if it does not open automatically and follow the computer prompts to install.
    3. Once Zoom is installed, it will open the Zoom window. Screenshot of Zoom audio buttons
    4. You will then have the option to Join the Audio Conference by the Computer or to view the details to dial in by phone. If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting, we recommend choosing the option Test your Computer Mic & Speaker. Screenshot of Zoom test audio
    5. Click Test Speaker and confirm that you can hear the tone. If it does not play, you may need to adjust the volume or choose a different speaker from the drop down menu.Screenshot of Zoom test speaker button
    6. Click Test Mic and speak into your microphone. Click the button Recording when you are done speaking and it will play your microphone test back to you. If you cannot hear your microphone recording, you can select another microphone from the drop down menu, or adjust the input level. Screenshot of Zoom test mic button
    7. Once you've confirm that your microphone and speakers are working properly, you can close out of the audio settings window. To continue using computer audio, now choose Join Audio Conference by Computer. You can also check the option Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting if you want Zoom to automatically connect to computer audio each time you join a Zoom meeting.
       Screenshot of Zoom Join audio button
     

    Zoom Desktop Systems

    Zoom conferencing from a desktop/laptop is good for 1-2 people to participate.

    • When video conferencing over a wireless connection, be aware of bandwidth usage and your system limitations. It is preferred that you connect virtually over a hard-wired connection for best connectivity.
    • Check to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera when utilizing the desktop system. If you do not have a microphone/speaker, dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.
    • Can’t see or hear participants? Check your system settings to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera selected, and that you are not muted.

    Click here for more information about Zoom desktop.

    Zoom Room Systems

    • Zoom conferencing from a room system is preferred for larger groups of participants.
    • Arrive a bit early and make sure that the camera pre-sets are set to where your multiple participants will be seated.
    • Ensure the microphone/speaker are operational. If you do not have a microphone/ speaker, dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.
    • If you cannot hear audio please check the television monitor volume and then the volume control on the room system (they are separate).
    • If the far site cannot hear your audio, make sure the microphone is not muted (red light is off).
 

Project ECHOs

 
  • Alaska Pop Up ECHOs

    Please check our ECHO Calendar for upcoming Pop Up ECHOs

  • Alaska Eating Disorders ECHO
    This ECHO series has concluded. Please visit the Alaska Eating Disorders ECHO Box folder for recordings, slides, and other materials.
     
    The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) and UAA Center for Human Development Project ECHO present a six-part series designed to connect Alaska's interdisciplinary healthcare professionals with eating disorders experts. Each 90-minute session of the Alaska Eating Disorders ECHO will offer a forum for participants to explore best practices through didactic presentations, sharing provider and patient experiences with case studies, and to engage in peer-to-peer discussion.
     
    For more information and access to local eating disorders resources, visit the Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) page.
     
  • Alaska Vaccine ECHO

    The Alaska Vaccine ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for clinical care providers involved in the distribution and administration of vaccinations to interface with a team of medical and education experts in Alaska. Each session will include a brief didactic presentation followed by Q&A, and guided discussion or case presentation as an integral part of the learning experience.

     
    When is this ECHO?
    3rd Tuesday every month, from 2:00pm - 3:00pm AKST
     
     
  • Behavioral Interventions for Every Child (BIEC)

    The Behavioral Interventions for Every Child (BIEC) ECHO is a virtual learning network for professionals supporting children birth through eighteen years who experience challenging behaviors and need additional behavioral supports. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where you can discuss complex situations and receive real-time advice from a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

    When is this ECHO?
    Every other Thursday, Nov 17th - Dec 15th and Jan 12th - Mar 23rd, from 11:00am - 12:00pm AKST.
     

    To join, register for BIEC ECHO.

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Brain Injury ECHO for Individuals and Family Members

    The Brain Injury ECHO for Individuals and Family Members is a free virtual learning environment where a hub panel of Advocates and Providers share their knowledge through presentations and Q&A sessions.
     
    Who is on the hub panel?
    The rotating hub panel includes individuals with brain injury, family members, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Long Term Care Ombudsman, a Case Manager, and Certified Brain Injury Specialists.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    Every Monday from 3:00pm to 4:30pm (Alaska time).
    8 sessions will be held in 2023 from April 3rd to May 22nd.
     
    To join register for Brain Injury ECHO for Individuals and Family Members
     
    What happens during sessions?
    Each session is designed to help increase knowledge in a supportive and positive environment. In fact, ECHO has an 'all teach, all learn' motto. We know everyone attending has had unique experiences and can provide helpful insights. Therefore, participants are encouraged to join in and offer their input alongside the hub panel.
    The first half of each session has a presentation on brain injury topics (e.g., memory tips and tricks, coping skills, diet and the brain).
    The second half is for your questions. You can submit a Key Question in advance, such as a current concern or experience you/your family member is having. You present this question to the group during the session and then both participants and the hub team offer recommendations. If no Key Question has been submitted then the floor is open for all participants to ask any questions they may have.

     
  • Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO

    The Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals to interface with a team of experienced specialists in Alaska. This series is focused on providing a safe space amongst providers to discuss topics such as harm reduction, overdose prevention, opioids and fentanyl use, and guidance on best practices and updates in the field.

    Each session will include a brief presentation followed by Q&A and guided discussion or case presentation as an integral part of the learning experience.

     
    When is this ECHO?
    1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, January to June, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm AKST.
     
    This series will launch with time set aside to also explore life experiences and guided discussion of key questions or challenges professionals are seeing in the field. Sign up using this jotform link to share with the group and learn more.
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    This series is intended for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family therapists, Social Workers, Masters of Addiction Counselors, Addiction Specialists, Peer Support Specialists, Medical Physicians, Mid-level providers, Registered Nurses, and Psychologists.
     
    How will the Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:
    • Evidence-based practices in treating stimulant and opioid use disorders
    • Communication when working with a multi-disciplinary team
    • Treating people with co-occurring disorders

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • DATA Waivers ECHO
    This ECHO series has concluded. Please visit the DATA Waivers Box folder for recordings, slides, and other materials.
     
    The DATA Waivers ECHO facilitates a virtual network for clinical providers to learn and implement best practices for offering buprenorphine and other medically assisted treatment (MAT) services under a DATA waiver.
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    DATA waived providers or providers considering applying for a DATA waiver, this may include physicians, PA, APRNs, CNSs, CRNAs, and CNMs.
     
    How will the DATA Waivers ECHO help me?
    Each session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team. Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants:
    • Understand current Federal and State DATA Waiver application process
    • Increase proficiency in evidence-based practices in buprenorphine to treatment
    • Increase capacity to offer DATA waived services in their clinical setting

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Disability Abuse Response Teams (DART) ECHO
    DART stands for Disability Abuse Response Team.
    DARTs are multidisciplinary teams that include providers in the fields of: DV/SA, Disability, Behavioral Health, Tribal entities, Independent Living, Housing/Homelessness ... and others! There are currently seven DARTs across Alaska. If you are a DART partner or if you are interested in improving services for survivors with disabilities in your area, please join us! Each session features a guest presenter and an opportunity for group discussion around a Key Question. DART ECHO GOALS: 1) to remove barriers and increase capacity to effectively serve survivors with disabilities; 2) to build a state-wide learning and resource sharing community.
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    Professionals working with survivors of domestic violence and/or people with disabilities, including survivor advocates, shelter directors and staff, disability providers, brain injury resource facilitators, independent living advocates, or housing/homelessness providers.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    2nd Tuesday each month from 12:00pm to 1:30pm
    5 sessions from February 14, 2023 through June 13, 2023
     
     
    How will the DART ECHO help me?
    Each session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases or systems issues, and open discussion facilitated by a team of subject matter experts. Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:
    • How abuse affects survivors with complex, multi-layered issues and best practices for supporting them
    • Providing accessible services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who experience disabilities

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Examining FASD Diagnosis ECHO
    The Examining FASD Diagnosis ECHO is a six-part series that will explore the current issues, systems, and practices impacting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) diagnosis in Alaska and beyond. This series is intended for an interdisciplinary, multi-sector audience of clinical and non-clinical experts who provide supports and services to individuals impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.
     
    Objectives of the Examining FASD Diagnosis ECHO include: 
    - Define barriers and benefits to FASD diagnosis.
    - Discuss current strategies to diagnosis FASD and examine how these strategies might best serve Alaskans.
    - Describe systems & tools that might support FASD diagnosis and interventions in Alaska & beyond.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    January to June (3rd Wednesday of each month) from 8:00am - 9:00am AKST
     

    To join, register for Examining FASD Diagnosis ECHO.

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Family ECHO

    The Family ECHO is a virtual learning network series with the goal to increase knowledge and skills for parents & guardians who are raising and supporting young children and young adults (between birth and 26 years old) with behavioral and health-related diagnoses, trauma history, IDD, and related neurodevelopmental disabilities to build a strong family advocate network in Alaska.

    Each 60-minute session will include a didactic presentation along with an open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team of both professionals and family members. The sessions also include a de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex situations for real-time advice from experts, peers, and advocates.

    When is this ECHO?

    2nd & 4th Wednesday each month, 12:00 - 1:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for Family ECHO. 

    Submit a case presentation.

    How will the Family ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to parent and guardian experts within Alaska will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Building support and networks within rural villages
    • Celebrate experiences, strengths, along with unique and creative stories/lifestyles
    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis, and treatment
    • Common systems navigation

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Health Equity Grand Rounds ECHO

    This ECHO series has concluded. Please visit the Health Equity Grand Rounds ECHO Box folder for recordings, slides, and other materials.

    The Health Equity Grand Rounds ECHO was a six-part ECHO series presented by the Alaska Black Caucus & UAA CHD Project ECHO exploring racism in medicine, health equity, and COVID-19 in Alaska.

    Each 90-minute session explored clinical skills and best practices critical to Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, in an interactive forum guided by expert speakers and clinicians. The target audience for the series included the interdisciplinary healthcare team, administrators, leaders, allied health professionals, and health professions trainees in Alaska.

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Home Visiting ECHO
    Home Visiting ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals to interface with a team of experts in Alaska. This series is focused on answering questions related to home visiting in a virtual setting, parent/child interaction, keeping mental health a priority, home visiting screenings, interpersonal violence (IPV), and establishing a safe professional environment during this critical time.

    When is this ECHO?
    Every third Tuesday (beginning Sept 20th), 10:30am - 11:45am. The October session will be held on the 25th to accommodate a State holiday.
     
     
  • Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities ECHO

    Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) ECHO offers a virtual network of real-time access to experienced experts in the field of mental health for people with developmental disabilities. Through the use of a hub and spoke model, MHDD ECHO gives participants the opportunity to take an active role in rich dialogue with the hub team and with their peers in an interdisciplinary teaching and learning environment. 

    The Spring 2023 MHDD ECHO curriculum will increase participant knowledge about MHDD-related topics including communication, person-centeredness, and trauma-informed care while providing guidance on how to adapt current practices to patients and clients who experience MHDD. Sessions are led by a subject matter expert Hub Team which includes a psychologist, a clinician, an applied behavior analyst, and a parent. Each session includes a brief lecture, deidentified case presentation, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team.

    When is this ECHO?
    Every other Thursday (beginning March 9th), 9:00am - 10:30am AKST.
     
     
    Who should join this ECHO?Mental Health Care Providers, Disability Service Providers, Social Workers, Educators and Students of related disciplines, Parents with related professional experience.
     
    How will the Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) ECHO help me?
    • Increase knowledge about MHDD-related topics, including communication, person-centeredness, and trauma-informed care
    • Increase ability to adapt current practices to their patients and clients who experience MHDD
    • Provide a platform where MHDD field experts can connect, including Mental Health Providers, Disability Services Providers, Social Workers, Educators and Students of related disciplines, and parents with related professional experience
    • Improve outcomes for clients, families, and communities
     
     
    Visit the MHDD Box folder for recordings, slides, and other materials.
     

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO

    Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO is a virtual learning network of providers offering real-time access to developmental and behavioral experts. Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO takes the principles of ECHO and adds the components of interdisciplinary expertise, including the integration of parent expertise. Our interdisciplinary team includes a developmental pediatrician, child neuropsychologist, advanced nurse practitioner, licensed clinical social worker,  and a parent advocate.

    This ECHO series has concluded. Please visit the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO Box Folder for recordings, slides, and other materials.

    How will the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated experts will help participants increase knowledge about:
    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns in children with autism
    • Successful office visits for children with autism and other behavioral concerns
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized autism experts

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Nutrition During Pregnancy, Infancy, and Early Childhood ECHO

    UAA Center for Human Development Project ECHO and the State of Alaska Department of Health have partnered to deliver an ECHO series exclusively focused on nutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood in Alaska.

    Join us as our interdisciplinary team explores critical topics related to nutrition and feeding, including human lactation and the feeding of human milk, across these key developmental stages.

    This ECHO series has concluded. Please visit the Nutrition During Pregnancy, Infancy, and Early Childhood (NPIE) Box folder for recordings, slides, and other materials.

     

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Pain & Opioid Management ECHO 

    The Pain & Opioid Management (POM) ECHO is a nine-part ECHO series with the goal to enhance knowledge of evidence-based pain management and addiction, as well as the treatment of opioid use disorder for primary care providers across Alaska. This series aims to address strategies for both short-term and chronic, long-term, pain. Upon participation, providers will have access to a wide variety of evidence-based strategies to discuss and potentially implement with their patients who are experiencing pain. Each 60-minute session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team.

    Have you found a unique alternative method to help a patient deal with their pain? Do you need assistance helping a patient manage their pain? Do you want to learn more about pain and evidence-based alternative pain management strategies?  

     
    This program will return Fall 2023.
     

    How will the Pain & Opioid Management ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis, and treatment
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns to address
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized field experts

     

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Peer Support ECHO
    Peer support providers bring a different perspective, empathy, and empowerment when it comes to recovery and helping others through their own journeys, and is an important part of the recovery journey and its success. The Peer Support ECHO is a virtual learning network intended to support and connect peer support providers throughout Alaska. Each 60-minute session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team.
     
    This program will return Fall 2023.
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    Behavioral health peer support staff and supervisors, self-advocates, community support providers, community advocates, brain injury peer mentors
     
    How will the Peer Support ECHO help me?
    Each session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by a team of subject matter experts.
    Regular, convenient access to field experts to help Peer Support Specialists in
    • Supporting peers experiencing mental health and or substance use disorders
    • Self-care and advocacy in the workplace

     

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Perinatal ECHO

    The Perinatal ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for medical providers caring for pregnant patients and their newborns. This series runs on the 3rd Thursday of each month and aims to provide up-to-date guidance and sharing of best practices among those involved in perinatal health, as well as to increase access to information for those living in the rural areas of the state.

    Each 60-minute session will include a didactic presentation along with an open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team of professionals. The sessions also include a de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex situations for real-time advice from experts and peer professionals.

    This program will return Fall 2023.

    Who should join this ECHO?

    The target audience for the series includes interdisciplinary medical professionals caring for pregnant patients and their newborns.

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • School Health ECHO
    The School Health ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals in the education setting (administrators, school-based nurses, etc) to interface with a team of medical and education experts in Alaska. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    3rd Monday every month, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm AKST, September 2023 to May 2024.

    2nd and 4th Monday every month, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm AKST, January to May 2023.

    To join register for School Health ECHO. 

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

ECHO Calendar